title: Modelling the behaviour of uranium-series radionuclides in soils and plants taking into account seasonal variations in soil hydrology.
abstract: In a previous paper, a mathematical model for the behaviour of (79)Se in soils and plants was described. Subsequently, a review has been published relating to the behaviour of (238)U-series radionuclides in soils and plants. Here, we bring together those two strands of work to describe a new mathematical model of the behaviour of (238)U-series radionuclides entering soils in solution and their uptake by plants. Initial studies with the model that are reported here demonstrate that it is a powerful tool for exploring the behaviour of this decay chain or subcomponents of it in soil-plant systems under different hydrological regimes. In particular, it permits studies of the degree to which secular equilibrium assumptions are appropriate when modelling this decay chain. Further studies will be undertaken and reported separately examining sensitivities of model results to input parameter values and also applying the model to sites contaminated with (238)U-series radionuclides.
authors.affiliation: Radiological Protection of the Public and Environment, CIEMAT, Avenida Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pérez-Sánchez
authors.affiliation: Mike Thorne and Associates Limited, Quarry Cottage, Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL13 3NJ, UK. Electronic address: mikethorneltd@aol.com.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Thorne
mesh_terms: D004603:Elements, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism*; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D012621:Seasons; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D004603:Elements, Radioactive; D011868:Radioisotopes; D012987:Soil; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive; D014867:Water; D007854:Lead
keywords: Mathematical model; Plant; Radium; Soil; Uranium